Submitting To The Devil - The Devil's Snare - Book 2

Chapter Nineteen

Bianca

Our conversation had me tripping. Niko's words confounded me but also resonated with a version of myself deep inside, making me wonder if I could truly find happiness with him, considering he's already willing to become my protector.

Dimitri's words play over and over in my mind. His assumption that Niko was a gift over a burden had me staring at Niko in disbelief. I'm sure my mouth was hanging open, my jaw touching the floor. My face must have been a vision, not that Niko mentioned anything or pointed it out.

The flight to Europe, Italy, Cantazaro, to be exact, was turbulent yet short. I hate flying, the insecurity that a flight brings you, the uncertainty of your future the whole time you're in the air. So the moment we touched down, I sighed a breath of relief.

But that also left me wondering what the hell I should be doing now.

The pilot and her co-pilot left the aircraft, walking down the steps onto the tarmac while Niko and I remained sitting in the chairs. He had long since leaned backwards, making himself comfortable for a little shut-eye, but I couldn't relax.

My eyes dart between him and the open door, a doorway that could lead me to freedom.

Every single part of me wants to escape. It's there in the back of my mind, begging me to move my feet, to stand and slip out unnoticed.

I'm sure it's a private airstrip. I'd only have to go down the steps and find somewhere to hide in the hangar to the plane's left. It could be as simple as walking from the aircraft into the hangar and crouching down to hide until the plane took off.

Perhaps Niko would remain asleep, not noticing that I'd left until the very last moment or maybe not at all. Landing wherever Dimitri had sent us, leaving him to uncover my escape only when it was too late. I could imagine him panicking quietly to himself; he might argue internally that he failed somehow, and I'd have no doubt he would return. I'd have to hide, ensure I lay low long enough to lead him away so when I resurfaced, I'd have a chance of escape into my new life.

Freedom is just outside that door. I begin to rise, my heart steadily picking up speed. I watch Niko with wide eyes and pray to whoever runs this show to give me a damn break for once.

My dress swishes as I take my first step, the material brushing Niko's knees. Stilling, I pray again that I didn't wake him.

His chest is rising and falling at an even rate; his eyes closed, his mouth open just a crack.

I take my second step, third, fourth, and fifth steps.

It's only a few more steps, and I'll be on the brink of the open door and the stairs that lead down to my freedom.

Nostalgia hits me as I think back on the times Niko and I have had together—the sexual tension and the caring nature he peppers me with in between.

His words at the make-shift altar, the depth of his words on the very chair he's sleeping in.

Dimitri was right. Niko guards those important with his life. He promised to care for me in a roundabout way.

Should I be doing this?

Wouldn't this be the ultimate betrayal when he's never done a thing to hurt me, let alone wound me?

My heart hammers so fast that my chest begins to ache, racing with the unknown, yet my mind is steadfast in its conclusion that escape is the only way to live a life I can enjoy, even if only a fraction.

I will my feet to move, to carry me down those stairs so I can taste the freedom I so desperately want. But my body betrays me, teetering on a perpetual edge that has me grinding my teeth and clawing at my own palms.